SAN DIEGO  The State Senate has unanimously approved a bill by San Diego Democrat Christine Kehoe designed to reduce domestic-violence homicides. The measure would clarify the dangers posed by strangulation.

Under the bill, strangulation would be legally classified as a traumatic condition. That would subject people who strangle their partner to additional jail time.

"And so if we hold people accountable, if we say, look, you're not gonna get away with strangulation," Shabazz said, "you're not gonna get a slap on the wrist if you strangle someone, you actually are gonna be prosecuted; it's gonna be a felony, maybe you'll actually think twice before you strangle your partner."

One recent study revealed nearly half of all victims of domestic-violence homicides had experienced at least one episode of attempted strangulation.

Kehoe's measure was inspired by the murder of Diana Gonzalez, who was allegedly killed by her husband at San Diego City College in 2010. Gonzalez had obtained a restraining order against her husband in 2009, accusing him of strangling her.

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